4-Week South East Queensland Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 4-week South East Queensland itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaSouth East Queensland travel expert at TourRadar
28 Day East Coast Australia Itinerary, incl. Sydney and Cairns
A perfect 4-day escape splits time between Brisbane and Noosa. Immerse yourself in city life and beach activities with two nights in each location. The adventure sets you up perfectly for a Fraser Island trip starting on day 5.
- Days 1-3
Sydney
Land in Sydney and take time to beat the jet lag. Start with the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk early in the morning before it gets hot. The 6km trail takes 2-3 hours if you stop for photos. Spend your afternoons at Sydney's beaches and check out Darling Harbour in the evenings. Book your Bondi surf lessons for day two when you're more awake.
- Days 4-6
Byron Bay
Take an overnight bus from Sydney to Byron's relaxed beach town. Try a morning surf lesson at The Pass beach with its gentle waves. The lighthouse walk at sunrise is steep but offers great whale watching from May to November. Bring light layers since mornings start cool.
- Days 7-8
Surfers Paradise & Gold Coast
Get ready for more action here. Book the jet boat ride in the morning when the water's calmer. Take motion sickness pills if you need them. The long beach is perfect for walks or swimming later in the day.
- Days 9-10
Brisbane
Check out South Bank's artificial beach and cultural spots. A past visitor said: "The city orientation helps you get your bearings quickly, and the man-made beach is a great spot to relax between activities."
- Days 11-13
K'Gari (Fraser Island)
You'll need good walking shoes and plenty of sunscreen for the world's biggest sand island. Drive on beach highways and swim in clear Lake McKenzie. Pack light for camping and bring warm clothes for cool nights.
- Days 14-16
Whitsundays
Spend three days sailing through tropical islands. You can snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and visit Whitehaven Beach. Get a bottom bunk and bring seasickness tablets if you get queasy.
- Days 17-18
Magnetic Island
Look for wild koalas on the Forts Walk track. Start the 4km walk before 9am to see more wildlife. Stay near the beach for easy access to hiking trails.
- Days 19-20
Mission Beach
Perfect for adventure activities. Try the 15,000ft reef skydive but book early. The quiet beach here is great for rest days.
- Days 21-28
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Finish your trip in Cairns, a popular backpacker spot. One traveler shared: "The outer reef snorkeling locations are worth the longer boat ride - visibility is better and crowds are smaller." Plan your reef trip early in case of bad weather. Take a break from the beach with the Atherton Tablelands waterfall tour.
28 Day East Coast Australia Itinerary, incl. Sydney and Cairns
Brisbane and Noosa blend perfectly in this 4-day Queensland getaway. Two days in the vibrant capital city lead into two days soaking up Noosa's coastal charm and beach culture.
- Days 1-3
Sydney
Begin in the CBD but save the Opera House for later. "Watching sunrise at Bondi before the crowds arrive was magical - get there by 6:30 AM for the best experience," one traveler suggests. Take the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk in the early morning before it gets hot. It takes 2-3 hours. Get an Opal card for public transport including ferries for budget-friendly harbor views.
- Days 4-6
Byron Bay
Take the 12-hour overnight bus from Sydney. Start your day with surf lessons at Clarke's Beach. Book morning sessions if you're a beginner when the wind is calmer. Walk up to Cape Byron Lighthouse at sunrise. It's a 45-minute uphill trek. A recent visitor shares: "The morning yoga after surfing was perfect for sore muscles - bring a light jacket as the studio gets chilly."
- Days 7-8
Surfers Paradise
Skip the main beach when it's packed and walk 15 minutes north to Main Beach for a quieter spot. Book jet boat rides in late morning when the sea breeze picks up.
- Days 9-10
Brisbane
Stay in South Bank near the man-made beach. Get a 24-hour CityCat ferry pass to see the city from the water. "The Fortitude Valley nightlife gets going late - don't head out before 10 PM," a local advises.
- Days 11-13
Fraser Island
Driving on Fraser needs focus since you're on sand roads and need to watch the tides. Visit Lake McKenzie early to avoid the tour buses. Wear sturdy walking shoes and keep your food sealed from dingoes.
- Days 14-16
Whitsundays
Take seasickness pills before sailing. Go snorkeling mid-morning for the best visibility. "Hill Inlet lookout over Whitehaven Beach is spectacular but extremely hot - bring double the water you think you need," notes one visitor.
- Days 17-18
Magnetic Island
Do the Forts Walk early morning to spot wild koalas when they're most active. The walk takes 90 minutes round trip. A bike rental is great for exploring the island's bays.
- Days 19-20
Mission Beach
Book morning skydiving slots for calmer weather. If you're doing Tully River rafting, know it's grade 3-4 rapids and you'll need decent fitness.
- Days 21-28
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Stay on the Esplanade to be near the lagoon pool and night markets. Pick reef tours that go to outer reefs for better coral. For the Atherton Tablelands, a traveler suggests: "Bring water shoes - the natural rock slides are fun but can be slippery."
- Days 1-3
Brisbane & Surrounds
Start in Brisbane and take time to adjust to the time zone. Visit the Story Bridge and enjoy dining at Eagle Street Pier by the river. On day 3, skip morning activities to deal with jet lag. The subtropical weather can be tough when you're tired. Visit South Bank in the afternoon when temperatures cool down.
- Days 4-5
Noosa & Everglades
Stay in Noosa to check out the Australian Everglades. Book an early morning boat tour ($140) through the mangroves. You'll see more wildlife and enjoy calmer waters in the morning. Bring insect repellent and a light jacket. The water can be cool in the morning.
- Days 6-7
Fraser Island & Hervey Bay
Take the 50-minute ferry from Rainbow Beach to K'gari (Fraser Island). Book a guided 4WD tour to Lake McKenzie instead of driving yourself. The sandy tracks need experienced drivers. Visit the Barnacles Dolphin Center in Tin Can Bay at 7 AM to see wild dolphins.
- Days 8-9
Rockhampton & Capricorn Caves
Head north to Bundaberg for snorkeling at Lady Elliot Island. Then go to Rockhampton to see the Capricorn Caves. Take the 10 AM cave tour when it's not too hot. The caves heat up a lot in the afternoon sun.
- Days 10-11
Airlie Beach & Whitsundays
For Whitehaven Beach, catch the first ferry to avoid crowds. A visitor tip: "The sand is so fine it can damage camera equipment. Bring protective gear and keep your phone in a zip-lock bag."
- Days 12-13
Townsville & Magnetic Island
It's a quick 20-minute ferry ride to Magnetic Island. Look for koalas in the morning when they're most active. Get a "Barbie car" (pink topless rental) to explore. Book early because they're very popular.
- Days 14-16
Cairns & Port Douglas
Use Cairns as your base for the Great Barrier Reef. Book reef trips from Port Douglas. The boats don't have to go as far to reach good reef spots. Visit the Mossman Gorge Cultural Center for Aboriginal-guided rainforest walks. The 9 AM tour is best before it gets too hot.
- Days 17-20
Sydney
Fly to Sydney in the morning to make the most of your day. Get to Bondi Beach early before the crowds arrive at 10 AM. One traveler noted: "The coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte is stunning but there's zero shade. Bring sunscreen and start before 9 AM."
- Days 21-25
Melbourne
Take the train from Sydney to Melbourne (11 hours) for great views. Visit Brighton Beach's colorful bathing boxes early for the best photos. End your trip at rooftop bars like Naked in the Sky to see the city skyline. Local advice: Always carry an umbrella in Melbourne. The weather changes quickly, even on sunny days.
